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US backs India’s Afghan support

AT Monitoring Desk-KABUL: The United States praised India for its role in supporting Afghanistan to become stronger and independent.

“Obviously support India’s generosity and focus on Afghanistan and willingness to help Afghanistan become a stronger, independent country that has the stronger economic growth, certainly, but also has the capacity to defend itself and provide for the security of its people,” Mark C Toner, Deputy Spokesman for the US Department of State said.

He went on to say: “The fact that India is willing to invest in that future we view as a very positive sign and we appreciate India’s effort.”

In a joint statement issued after end of meeting between Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi and President Ashraf Ghani, New Delhi pledged fresh aid to Kabul.

“The two leaders discussed the regional situation and expressed grave concern at continued use of terrorism and violence in the region for achieving political objectives,” the statement said.

It further added: “Stressing that elimination of all forms of terrorism, without any discrimination, is essential, they called upon the concerned to put an end to all sponsorship, support, safe havens and sanctuaries to terrorists, including for those who target Afghanistan and India.”

Moreover, India’s foreign secretary S Jaishankar told reporters that the $1 billion aid will be for Afghanistan’s capacity and institution building.

New Delhi already invested around $2 billion in various reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.

This is worth mentioning the government of India has responded positively to the request of the Afghan officials to provide equipment to the Afghans security forces, it has been reported.

Afghan ambassador to New Delhi, Dr. Shaida Mohammad Abdali, said that the equipment request comes when the Afghan Army Chief of Staff, General Qadam Shah Shaheem visited the India.

“India accepted to deliver the last Mi-25 gunship to Afghanistan and also help with the repair and maintenance of some helicopters in Afghanistan’s inventory,” the envoy said.

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